More than 1,500 vehicles have been reported stolen in Ottawa so far this year, with Gloucester-Southgate and Bay wards the two hot spots for vehicle thefts.
Statistics on the Ottawa Police Service’s Crime Map show 1,559 vehicles have been reported stolen in Ottawa between Jan. 1 and Dec. 12. Vehicle thefts include joy rides, opportunistic thefts, and “single-use crimes,” according to police.
According to the crime map, the first two months of 2024 were the worst months for vehicle thefts in Ottawa this year, with 172 thefts in February and 168 thefts in January. A total of 152 vehicle thefts were reported in October and 138 thefts in November, according to police.
The Ottawa Police Services’ 2023 annual report showed 1,854 vehicles were reported stolen in 2023. “Of them, 51 per cent were recovered.” In 2023, 188 individuals were charged in relation to vehicle thefts.
In 2022, 1,289 vehicles were reported stolen, with 411 recovered, according to the 2022 annual report.
Gloucester-Southgate has been the hot spot for vehicle thefts this year, with 158 vehicles reported stolen. A total of 112 vehicles have been reported stolen in Bay Ward, while 89 vehicle thefts were reported in River Ward.
In July, the Ontario government announced a new Ontario Provincial Police helicopter will be located in Ottawa to help police address vehicle thefts and stunt driving on roads.
“This new helicopter is a game changer for our operational capabilities and it’s an exciting step forward for all of us,” Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs told reporters on July 29.
At least one vehicle has been reported stolen in each Ottawa ward so far this year.
The top wards for reported vehicle thefts in Ottawa in 2024:
- Gloucester-Southgate: 158
- Bay: 112
- Rideau-Vanier: 89
- Orleans South-Navan: 88
- Alta Vista: 82
- Rideau-Rockcliffe: 80
- Barrhaven West: 79
- Beacon Hill-Cyrville: 79
- College: 79
- River: 78
- Somerset: 78
- Orléans East-Cumberland: 73
- Riverside South-Findlay Creek: 60
- Kanata South: 53
- Knoxdale-Merivale: 51
- Kitchissippi: 46
- Kanata North: 44
- Capital: 39